Police Target Drug Markets on North, South Sides

Police arrested more than 40 suspected gang members and busted three different drug markets last week.
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DNAinfo/Casey Cora

CHICAGO — Police arrested 43 people and seized drugs worth as much as $23,000 in a series of busts across the city Thursday and Friday.

In a news release, police said in light of recent violence they launched investigations into drug markets operated by the Gangster Disciples.

On Thursday, cops arrested 12 people suspected of working a gang-controlled drug market near 63rd Street and Martin Luther King Drive. Police conducted undercover drug buys, and executed three search warrants. They recovered heroin, marijuana and crack cocaine with a street value of more than $10,000. In addition, police recovered nearly $4,100 in cash.

Also on Thursday, police arrested 12 people in the 1500 block of West Morse Avenue in Rogers Park, and charged them with delivery of a controlled substance. Police recovered nearly $8,000 worth of heroin, marijuana and crack cocaine, as well as cash and two vehicles.

On Friday, 19 people were arrested in an operation near 43rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, as cops executed two search warrants. They recovered about $5,000 of heroin, marijuana and crack cocaine, as well as a vehicle and cash. The suspects were charged with possession and delivery of a controlled substance.

“These investigations are targeting the gang and narcotics activity that are the root cause of the violence affecting too many of our communities,” said Police Supt. Garry McCarthy. “Every day our officers are on the street going after gangs, guns and drugs, and we will continue to do so to make this a safer city for everyone."